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SEA and SPS meet with area legislators to press for levy increases

“The state’s funding formula doesn’t work for Seattle and other large urban districts,” said Phyllis Campano, SEA president, as SEA and SPS held a joint meeting with Seattle state legislators David Frockt, Jaime Pedersen and Javier Valdez.

Campano, SEA members Stephanie Shaw and Celina Austin, and SEA Executive Director John Donaghy were joined by SPS Superintendent Denise Juneau as well as Deputy Superintendent Stephen Nielsen, Seattle PTSA president Chandra Hampson and PTSA Legislative Chair Liza Rankin. Shaw and Austin shared their experiences as special education staff, which Hampson echoed from a parent perspective.

This unprecedented gathering made several points in complete unison: lift levy restrictions, increase funding for special education, and provide more funding for nurses, counselors and family support.

Legislators, particularly Pedersen and Frockt, readily agreed that these increases are needed.

We are scheduled to meet with more local legislators next week. Stay tuned for an announcement about a townhall soon!